The Worlds Greatest Friends

 I am convinced God has blessed me with the best friends in the World, and I am so thankful. The Ministry gets hard well life period gets hard and having friends who you know you can call anytime to talk or to just cry is a necessity . To say your struggling is not a sign of weakness To me it takes great strength and courage to admit. I am thankful that during the hard times I have amazing friends to lean on. I wont name names because some wont want there name on the internet and besides I am human and might forget someone but I just wanted to say that I am honored to have such amazing friends here in Montana. I brag on my family alot but often times not my friends so I just wanted to say I love you ALL and am so THANKFUL for you and ALL you have done and ARE doing :) You rock!!!!

My Friend Joy and Me doing what We do best.....Laughing :)

Are We really getting it??

So I am doing the bible study " Experiencing God" . We are just into our  3rd week but I am already amazed at what im learning and feel that im growing from it already. Anyway it talks alot about God trying to talk to us and were not listening. So of course I get to thinking and I start rememebering stuff and i'm not sure if im looking too deep into it or If maybe God was trying to give me vision along time ago and I just wasnt listening.

 I was a senior in high school and of course everyone was talking about college and what they were going to do with there life and I didnt have a clue. I knew I didnt wanna go to college but other than that I had no plans. But I had this strong feeling that I was not meant to stay in Athens Tn. So As weeks went on and it got to be a few months before graduation I Seriously considered joining the Army. I just had this feeling that I was meant for more than staying in Tn. I didnt know what to do. Well I ended up not joining the Army I just never felt it was completely the right thing to do. So after I graduated I started dating Jeremy and 8 months later I'm married. But all wasnt happily ever after and i secretly dealth with depression. It just all felt wrong and for one I know for a fact my relationship with God was not where it was suppose to be. But I cant help but wonder if the feeling in high school and the depression was all because God was trying to call me into missions. I guess I will never really know the answer. I finally got my relationship with God right and not long after the depression was gone and I remember the moment I really felt God speaking to me about Montana. It was july 2010 and a group from our church had just come back from there mission trip from Hungry Horse. During there presentation I just got the feeling that I was suppose to go there. So I said ok Lord We will go on the mission trip with them next year. I can just imagine How frustrating it must be to God when We arent really getting what He is trying to tell us. Little did we know by the next year when the church came on the mission trip We would be living here.:) The night of the presentation Jeremy even sang a song He wrote about missions called "Go anyway" and its just amazing to see God work. I am so glad We finally got what He was really trying to tell us.  Once We surrendered to Gods call on our lives. It was insane how things started falling together. He had it all planned out for us. It feels great to completely trust Him with our lives. My only regret is that maybe I didnt listen close enough sooner, but I cant give him back my past I can only give him my present and future and I plan to do just that :)

God's Working all around us!!

Gods working all around us but how often are We to busy to miss the blessing of seeing Him at work??
Here is a awesome story about just that.

 So My parents bought this book I cant remember the exact title but its a book for Missionary Parents. Well mostly its about oversea missionaries but still some of it applies to us and our situation. So my Dad read it and now my Mom is reading it but alot of it has been hard for her to get through because She cant really relate to it and as she put it "its boring" haha. But Dad has been telling her it gets better so she is still reading it. So as most everyone knows We left to head here July 5th 2011.The day holds so many sad memories so it was and probably always will be a emotional day for all of us.  So on July 5th (2012)Mom was at work on her lunch break reading the book and she had just enough time to read one more page before time for her to clock back in and this was the page she read

  So See, Lord? My Hands Are Still Open

Nobody said it is easy,

opening our hands in release,

But Jesus said if we trust and obey,

He will give us His peace.

I've struggled with holding too tightly,

knowing that she can't remain,

And, in the process, I finally saw

that I just increased the pain.

I've prayed for protection for so many years,

and Lord, I don't plan to stop now.

I can't keep my daughter away from all harm,

and now I've made a new vow:

To give you our daughter again, like I have

so many times before,

But this time for missions----wherever you want.

I trust you to open the door.

So See, Lord? My hands are still open.

Use us however you choose.

I'm trusting you for tomorrow,

Knowing with you We can't lose.

Thank you for being my Savior and Lord,

and making her your own design.

Keep using her as your witness, and Lord,

keeping loving that daughter of mine.
                                                                                                  ---1990,  Nancy Stoppelkamp

Wow How amazing that She read this poem on July 5th!! So see if she had quit reading it she would have missed These comforting words. There is no doubt that God puts things like this together He knows exactly what We need and when we need it. So keep your eyes open and watch for Him because He is working all around you.

What a Mighty God We serve!!!

 God knows exactly what we need and when we need it. This week it got up into the 90s and boy were we sweating. Our windows in the apartment are casement windows (vertical) So We couldnt get a window air conditioner and fans were not cutting it Jeremy and I both were not getting any sleep at night because We were so HOT!! Well I looked up online and hooray they do make vertical window air conditoners  but BOO!! they are over $500. As Jeremy was talking to some friends tuesday about the hot weather and our vertical windows A friend who is here helping for a few months mentioned getting a window air conditoner and cutting a hole in the wall for it to go in. He even said He would come cut the hole and put it in and everything. After getting approval from Lee We were so excited and then that Friend Slipped us some money and said here I wanna help pay for it. God had a plan all along!! So We get the air conditoner and Lee says hey try measuring the window and see if you flip it horizontal will everything fit that way. It did!!! So We have been so blessed this week!!! No more sleepless nights and no more sweating (in the house). A huge thanks to our Friend for giving us the money and coming and putting it in for us. We could never thank him enough. But mostly a HUGE thanks to God who laid it on his heart to give the money!!! Everytime I walk into this cool apartment I am reminded how much God loves us and how He has provided ALL our needs but He has not stopped there and alot of times He throws in a few wants here and there. What a Mighty God We serve!!!!

One year ago....

One year ago today I left my family and friends all standing in tears as Jeremy and I answered Gods call and started a new chapter in our lives as we headed to Hungry Horse, Montana. As we pulled away we knew in our hearts we were doing the right thing but that didnt stop them from breaking. Now here I sit a year later Yes somedays my heart still breaks and I could probably fill up a ocean by now with the tears ive cried. But God has took care of us and im so thankful. We have made so many friends here and We love each ministry were involved in. As I rode along one year ago wondering what my life was about to be like I can tell you it was nothing like I imagined. Its better!!! God is so faithful and its amazing how awesome He is. He has provided all our needs and In one year completely changed our lives for the better. I am not putting us up on a pedastle by any means but dont ever let the devil tell you your not worthy because thats what He did to us but We pushed past the lies and here we are one year later telling about our ministries and seeing God work in a mighty way here in Hungry Horse, Montana.

I'd give anything.......

Some days id give anything just to walk into Mamaws and sit and talk to her and Pap, Or to go out to dinner with Mom and Dad. I am stuggling lately. Somedays the sacrifice seems to great and I get selfish and wonder why me? Why did I have to give up my whole life? Of course after I have a good cry I feel just awful for even thinking these things. Christ gave the ultimate sacrifice His life!! The truth is I am honored He chose us to come to Hungry Horse Montana. As most everyone knows my passion is for the little guys This week at VBS We had one 3 year old boy who kept being disruptive I was busy with another little girl when I hurt one of the other ladies in our class trying to calm him down as He started to cry I heard him sob "I just wanna sit in your lap" I dont know anything about his home life but the poor little guy just wanted someone to love on him. Well from then on He became my little buddy and everytime you turned around He was up in my lap. And it was through that God reminded me why im here and what one of my jobs is. To love on these kids who dont get that at home. Let me also say dont think im connecting this statement with the little girl im gonna be keeping She is very much loved and took care of. But thats not the case with a big majority of these kids in the community. So when I am having a bad day and just wanna go home God always brings a childs face into my mind and reminds me my purpose. We all have a purpose It can even be as simple as being there for the little kids. There are no little jobs. i have all eternity to spend with my family . My goal is to make sure these little guys are there too.

Hungry Horse Dam

Hungry Horse Dam is an arch dam on the South Fork Flathead River in the Rocky Mountains of the U.S. state of Montana. It is located in Flathead National Forest, in Flathead County, about 15 miles (24 km) south of the west entrance to Glacier National Park, 9 miles (14 km) southeast of Columbia Falls, and 20 miles (32 km) northeast of Kalispell.

 At 564 feet (172 m) in height, the dam was the third largest dam, and second highest concrete dam, in the world at the time of its completion in 1953,^[2] with a volume of 3,100,000 cubic yards (2,400,000 m³).^[3] The dam's spillway is the highest morning glory structure in the world.^[3] The spillway is controlled by a 64-by-12-foot (20 by 3.7 m) ring gate.<sup>[1]

These are pictures Jeremy took of the water flowing over into the Glory Hole and coming out the other side. 
This is a very rare event that even alot of locals have never seen (until now ) The water is too high and thats why this is happening.</sup>  

 

Wow Week 2012

 This was our first wow week  (VBS) last year We werent even here yet. Wow week is AWESOME!!!! A huge thanks to the churches that came and put this on and made Wow Week possible!!!! I helped in the  preK class which was ages 2-4. We had a  average of 12 each day so it was chaos but TONS of fun. We had a really great group Some were more rowdy than others but thats to be expected with kids who arent even in school yet. On friday the churches that come to put on Wow Week  pay to take  the kids (5 and up) to the water park. It was a awesome day and so much fun. The wind was blowing and the sun never really made it out but the kids and a few adults (of course My Jeremy) didnt care and drove right in no matter how cold the water was!   I know the kids had a great week and are already looking forward to next year. I know I am :)

Yikes

So I try to keep Mollys poop picked up out of the yard because nothing makes me madder than getting poop on my shoe!! So I was going behind her everytime she went but as a missionary im always trying to think of ways to save money and the doogy bags seem a waste to just put a little in So i have been only cleaning the yard once a week and filling
 up a hole bag that way. So today I go out because its sunny so I figure I better go while I got a chance and so im minding my own business when I walk right up on 2 snakes.  Yikes!!  So I of course am scared and run to the porch and then I think Jeremy will never believe me so what do i do Of course I go back over to get a picture. After I take and send the picture thats when I discover 2 more piles along the side of the apartment so that was 3 piles of 2 so 6 altogether. Needless to say the poop may pile up for awhile!!!!!

Stephanies Story

So tell me Stephanies story, These were the words I heard just earlier tonight. I had never ever been asked in quite this way before. Sure people ask where im from? Or how I ended up in Montana? Or How I knew God called me here? But all those are so direct and to the point I was taken a little off guard and unsure of what to say when asked to tell my story It must have shown because the person then said ya know How'd you and your husband met, how long you been married, when did you move to Montana. Of course then I started spouting off answers left and right. Why had I had so much trouble the first time. I guess the answer is because I have never really thought about it. Have you?? We all have a story, Think about it whats your story. I ask you to at least think about it but I challenge you to write it down I think you'll be amazed about how accomplished you'll feel when your done and you'll realized how truly blessed you are. My Life changed because Someone I had just met took at interest in Me and my life and asked about my story.

Stephanies Story

 My story is a story of Grace, Hope, and Wonder. I'm from a small town called Athens, Tn. I was raised right there in the bible belt. Both my parents are christians. They raised me right and taught me to respect others as well as myself. I  was saved at 9 years old but of course in my teen years I strayed from God. I did what I wanted and went to church on sunday that was good enough right? I mean I was already saved. Of course thats absolutely wrong. So you can read alot of this in My Testimony post here. Of course my testimony is a huge part of my story. I got married when I was 19 and I am grateful to have found my soulmate at such a young age you can read about our love story hereon my blog too. I Finally got back on track with God and realized how wonderful life can be when you have a meaningful relationship with him. Life was great. We had a beautiful house, Jeremy had a good paying job, and we absolutely loved our church and church family. Then Life as we knew it changed forever. You can read about that here . So When God called us to Montana We were terrified and still are because our future is so unknown. So Grace is a huge part of my story because   God showed extreme Grace to us all when He sent his only son to die. Not only that but He forgave me over and over when I strayed from Him. My story is a story of Hope because I now have hope like I have never known and with Jesus in our lives We all have that Hope. My story is a story of wonder  because there is so much unknown in our future. I have no idea what 1 year looks like little on 5 or 10. I wonder what my future will be like but I have hope that everything will be fine because of Gods extreme Grace. This is Stephanies Story.

This week is Wow Week

This coming up week is Wow Week (Vacation Bible School). We have a mission team who comes and puts this on every year. Which is a huge blessing with the summer food program it would be too much to tackle this year little on every other year. Last year We werent here yet for Wow Week So We are excited to see what its like. Sunday afternoon is the kickoff at Canyon Elementary School We will have the blow up jumping houses for the kids and idk what else lol but im sure it will be fun. Then M-F is from 10-3 and all the kids will be coming to eat at the summer Food Program. We cannot wait to help anyway We can. Also as you know our goal for the summer food program is at least 50 and today we hit 48 :) We are very excited and cannot wait to see the big numbers during wow week.Other than that not much going on lately just staying very busy and enjoying the warm weather. Please continue to pray for us and the ministries were invovlved in here in Montana.

I have been dreaming of you lately. In my dream im just taking care of you and im just so happy! But i can never see your face I guess thats cause I have no idea what you'll look like. I cannot even begin to imagine you! I hope you are a complete mixture of us both:) Every month I wonder if this could be the month I conceive you. I'll admit I have drove myself crazy over the years making myself think I have every pregnancy symptom ever heard of. Its rediculous I know. I set myself up for alot of heartache because of it. Only since I have been in Montana have I completely put my trust in God and His timing and its like a weight was lifted off me. See sweetheart We never have to go through life alone because God will go with us every step of the way if we'll only let him but the choice is ours. I cannot wait to teach you all about Jesus and I pray that the day will come that I will get to see you accept Him as your Lord and Savior I cannot wait until you come into this world. I pray for patience while im waiting and understanding I know you are gonna be so worth the wait. I love you so much Love, Mommy

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you. Philippians 1:3

We had a great first week at the summer food program. A BIG thanks to everyone who helped. But a VERY special thanks to Colonial View  Baptist Church  from Cookville Tn for coming out and helping us this week. They were the BEST!!! They cooked Jeremy and I breakfast and dinner daily. We played cards nightly and just had a great time. Mostly what We did when we werent working Ok even when We were working was laugh!!! This group is HILARIOUS!!!!! From the Moment I met them I was cracking up!!! It only took a week but they all already have a special place in our hearts. Thanks again guys!!

I Also have a new BFF (Best Friend Forever) Dink and I hit it off from day one. We have laughed till We cried many days this week :) I sure will miss him!!!

It has begun.....

The summer food program is in full swing!!! It has been a crazy first couple of days but all has worked out and went well. We have a group here this week from Cookville, TN helping so we are doing fine help wise Hopefully next week when they head home We will have plenty of help too.  Please pray for that!! We had 22 on monday and 26 on tuesday Which for our first week we thought was pretty good. We hope to see this summer food program grow and be very successful but if We feed one hungry child who wouldnt have gotten lunch otherwise thats a success in our eyes. Is it hard work? Yes you bet it is but is it worth it? absolutely. Tonight which is wednesday We will be staying all the way through to our Beyond Borders for Christ service So it is gonna be a long day. We know We will be tired but We also know were doing it all for the right reason, The kids of this community are the reason and Yes they are so worth it!!! Anyway gotta go have breakfast with this mission team they have been awesome and We have eaten with them every meal since they got here :) We will be very sad to see them leave, But thats the life We live and people are in and out of it constantly Its always hello goodbye. But I am so thankful for all the individuals I have met Some I may never see again but I know God made there path and mine cross for a reason and even though its difficult its worth every minute, every conversation,every hello and every hug goodbye. I am Thankful for it all!!!

Our schedule

Wow time sure flies Monday is the 11th and the summer food program starts. We are ready as were gonna get. Its gonna be so much work but it will be worth it to see those sweet kids get a good meal that they might not otherwise get. As far as the  other ministries were involved in go we will be going at all of them full force as well.

What are the Ministrys were involved in???

• Sunday Jeremy and I are the worship leaders So We do all of the worship songs sunday morning and night. I also teach the k-3rd sunday school class 

•  Monday As of right now this is our off day :)

• Tuesday We have our adult bible study We eat at 6 and bible study is from 7-8. Jeremy and I along with Lee and Joy and Fran meet in the afternoon to prepare the meal. Every 2nd and 4th tuesday We volunteer at our local food bank from 7am-12pm

• Wednesday We have Beyond Borders for Christ at 6. Jeremy has to go early to practice for the worship, and Lee Joy and I prepare the meal before the service. I also have a class for 3 and under. Check out my post called Beyond Borders for Christ to see what its all about!!!

• Thursday This is also a off day for us:)

•  Friday We have worship practice at 2. Jeremy goes to a mens bible study at Hungry Horse Chapel at 7

•  Saturday Jeremy teaches a guitar class from 12-1 and then we have worship practice at 1. Then We have to make sure we have powerpoints and everything else ready for sunday morning.

Of course these are all our ministrys through the year and were still not quite sure which days We will be working at the school for the summer food program. Also when summers over is when I will start my babysitting job M-F. So we are and will continue to be very busy, but We love what We do here in Hungry Horse Montana and are happy God called us here. Even when hard times come We know that God has a purpose for our lives and We are here for a reason. We have no idea how long We will be here And always having this in the back of your mind makes you so much more mindful to make everyday count., And to make time for fun with friends as often as possible. We are so blessed and cannot wait to see what God has in store for our future.

My Miracle

Baby I almost feel guilty that you are gonna enter this world as a missionaries child. I know God called us into this and I know that He will take care of us. But you didnt chose this baby and it breaks my heart to know that you may never know what its like to live right down the road from your grandparents. You may never get to truly know alot of mommy and daddys friends from Oak Grove or Clear Springs and neither maybe the church you grow up in. I had all these things and It hurts to know that I have no idea where We will be when you come along. So much of the future is unknown. But one things for sure no matter where We are when you come into this world you will know so much love and im sure you will be spoiled rotten and will always be taken care of even if daddy and I have to do without. You will always know who Jesus is and how much He loves you. I cannot wait until the day I can hold you in my arms I love you already baby Even if I dont even know you yet. You will always be my miracle.
Love Mommy

Rain rain rain go away, funny story, and excitment about what God is doing in Montana

Wow its been raining for what feels like forever!! Yesterday while driving home Jeremy and I saw the most beautiful rainbow. It was coming straight up from a mountain. Made me think of my last post about how God will not break His promises to us. So even though We havent seen many bright sunny hot days yet summer is definitely here. The reason I know is because we are crazy busy and we havent even started the summer food program yet. I am not complaining I am thankful for all the ministries God is allowing us to do. Maybe We can rest when summers over :) Ha thats when my babysitting job begins and by then Alayah will be pulling up and crawling around everywhere. I know what your thinking wow how are you adding that to everything else you do. My answer is I cant wait :) and I am so excited about it and even if I have to cook for tuesday and wednesday and practice on fridays with a baby on my hip Ill do it because it makes me happy. Funny story.....on friday Some of us women were meeting at the church to plan and discuss our menu for the summer food program. So I changed and feed Alayah and asked Jeremy if he thought he could handle watching her. ( I knew He could She was babbling and happy) He said ok I said ok just bring her to me or just text me and ill come down here. so upstairs I went I was in The meeting probably about 30 minutes when I got a text saying " she just keeps crying and idk what to do" So i hurried downstairs and found them sitting in the recliner when I came in the room she reached for me :) Before babies can talk when they reach for you to me its like hearing them say I love you. Anyway so as im picking her up i say whats wrong and then I figured it out and I said well your stinky and she starts smiling like wow im glad someone figured it out. So Idk if Jeremy really didnt know or just didnt wanna change her. But it just was funny to me. So anyway just wanted to check in and let everyone know We miss them and Havent forgot them but the letters and calls might be fewer these next few months because We are gonna be lucky to get sleep :) But We are very excited about EVERYTHING God is doing in Montana.

Broken promises

As humans We all break promises some not meaning to and others not caring if they do or not. Its part of life. Alot of heart break starts with a broken promise. Some relationships will end over broken promises. Sometimes it seems like everywhere we look all we see are broken promises but God will never break his promises to us. I just had this on my mind today and wanted to share. I am so thankful for Gods promises!!!

What a happy baby :)

For all my friends and family who don't have facebook I'm posting this video here too!!

                               This is Alayah :)

Feeding the kids this summer and Alayah stealing my heart :)

This summer We will be feeding the kids at Canyon Elementary School in Hungry Horse Monday- Friday. Not sure how its all working out yet or how many days We will be working but Lee is gonna work it out where no one has to work everyday including him. On the days we do work it will be 10-2. We will still be doing all our other ministrys. Right now our complete days off are monday and thursday but we could possibly be working at the school those days. At some point probably when summers over is when I will start my babysitting job. I am so EXCITED about it. Alayah stole my heart from day 1 :) (I kept her friday may25th) She was happy all day and just so sweet. And did I mention cute!! She babbled all day long. Of course Jeremy and I both were actting like idiots and babbled back. I cannot wait to keep her again Did i mention how EXCITED i am!!! :) Anyway I said all this to say Its gonna be a busy summer and We are heading into it full blast. We are ready to serve in anyway we are needed. God is taking care of us and we are looking forward to all HE has instore for us this summer.

Baby

Hey baby Mommy and Daddy got a new car. It will be alot easier to get a baby seat in with 4 doors. But thats not why we got it we got it for better gas mileage and its safier with all the break ins going on here. Let me assure you that you'll always be protected. Daddy and I would lie down our life for you I have no doubt in that. I am babysitting a beautiful baby girl now her name is Alayah and she is helping me feel the void i feel for you. Of course shes not mine and I still wish I could have you growing inside me now. But i know God has a plan and I am blessed to have Alayah in my life. Everything is going good baby. I am trying to do better and only have a carbinated drink every now and then because it will help me chances to get you. I am trying to be healthier for both of us. I love you so much. Its still so hard waiting for you And trying to be patient. I can do this though and one day when I hold you in my arms this is all just gonna make it a much more amazing moment. I can hardly wait for that day. Love, Momma

A blessing when you least expect it

As most of you know I ask God for a baby quite often in His time not mine, and even though I honestly mean it I still hurt and long for a baby. I know God sees each tear and feels each time I hurt. I know God will bless me with a child of my own in His time. But our God is so good and faithful that He gave me a unexpected blessing while I wait. I am now the proud babysitter of this beautiful baby girl.

No Shes not mine. She is Miss Alayah Baldwin, Her Mommy is Mandi Baldwin. Our story has Gods fingerprints ALL over it. See here We both are in the same town Mandi praying for a new babysitter and seeking Gods will in it all. And Me praying for Gods direction and thinking it would be a good idea to find a job to bring in a little more every month. (Friends and Family dont panic We are fine money wise Just would be nice to be able to start putting some back for trips home or just extra spending money) and of course Constantly praying for a baby.  So here We both are in the same town and what makes it worse is We have some mutual friends plus Mandi goes to Hungry Horse Chapel Which is one of the churches joined with Canyon Baptist to do the Beyond Borders for Christ ministry. Finally our mutual friend Cameron told Mandi about me and how I love kids and how Good i am with her youngest two. Cameron said God just told her to tell Mandi about me. So God brought us all together and blessed us all with each other. Even when We dont have all the answers God always does and I am so glad because as Humans we just usually make a mess of everything. God sees the bigger picture and He knew how to work it all out to where each one of us are very happy and have had our prayers answered. Even if they werent answered exactly how we expected them. God is SO GOOD!!!!

 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Newsletters :)

Hey guys Its newsletter time again. We will be sending them one day this week. If theres anyone who doesnt get one who wants one mailed or emailed to them you can either comment on this post with your mailing address or email or email them to me stephaniehmalone@gmail.com We send our Newsletters out quarterly. We do some through the mail and some through email. Our newsletters tell about our ministry and what were doing. I'm working on getting the newsletters on here so you can read them here but I have no idea how to do this and am having to wait on Jeremys help. So it could be quite a while before they get on here haha So let me know if you would like to recieve them via email or mail. Thanks

I am grateful for......

                  Oh man I really dislike computer I had a whole post typed out and was almost done (it was a pretty long one too) and next thing I know its gone :(. Didnt make me sad it made me mad but I dont know how to make a mad face on a computer. So I really don't wanna type it all again. So im not going to haha. It was about ALL I am grateful for and just basicly praising the Lord for all he has given me. So God knows my heart so I don't feel I need to type it all again.
                 Sometimes I cant believe I ever got this blog going. Oh yes I love to write but I am horrible with computers. Oh and another biggie I CANT TYPE!!! I know I know go ahead and laugh. I basicly use my two pointer fingers. I know what your thinking and the answer is I did take keyboarding in high school. I guess I dont even need to say I barely passed and the only reason I did was I went in every morning and did extra credit and when I say every morning I mean EVERY morning. I still think I barely made a D.
               Anyway I have cooled off now and I think I am ready to try and tell you again what I am grateful for....

• I am grateful for this apartment. After We had prayed and prayed and knew Montana was where God wanted us We still could not figure out how We were gonna make it. I mean we were gonna do good to buy groceries Little on think about rent and somewhere to live but God had all this figured out way before We knew anything about it.

• The first one leads me right into this one. I am grateful for Canyon Baptist Church. They are allowing us to stay in this apartment and have done so much for us. I am proud to be the worship leader :)

• I am grateful for the friends We have made here in Montana. We have so many I am not gonna try to name everyone because I know I will forget someone. You know who you are and you have made moving 2400 miles away from everyone I know and love a lot easier.

• I am grateful for Canyon Community and Hungry Horse Chapel for coming together with Canyon Baptist and forming Beyond Borders for Christ. I am grateful for the unity and love I feel on wednesday nights. I am grateful for the school building and having a place to minister to these children.

• I am grateful to still have both sets of my grandparents living, But im even more grateful that they are all 4 christians.

• I am grateful for two christian parents who raised me in church. I have been loved and taken care of my entire life.

• I am grateful to have a good christian man by my side for better or worse. I am grateful that I found my soulmate at 19 and i am so grateful that He has held my hand and been there for me through everything this past year. He has been strong for me on days when I just couldnt be strong anymore. He will never know how much he means to me.

         I am grateful for so much more but im closing with this last one
 

• I am grateful that God chose us. I love the work God has for us in Hungry Horse Montana and Everyday I feel honored that He felt confident enough in me to call me to do it.

The reason for these letters

         First off let me say i'm sure people think this is crazy. To write letter to someone i have never met but One day I will met you and print each page and put into your baby book and when your older you'll treasure them. Some people will say you dont know you may never have children and if thats Gods plan for me thats fine by me but I have faith that I will because its a desire of my heart.
 Delight yourself in the Lord,and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

   Let me also explain to you how much you were wanted. When I was little I played with babydolls ALL the time. I dreamed of the day when I would be a mom, and when i was in highschool and asked what I wanted to be I always said a mother. It was my dream it was so important to me. When your Daddy and I got married I longed for a baby. but your daddy wanted some me and him time first and I totally understood that. I understood but deep down I never stopped longing for you. I thought about what it would be like the moment I looked down at a positive pregnancy test or when a doctor laid you in my arms. I can cry just thinking about both of them. So never doubt for one second  whether you were wanted or not.

    I think about you constantly whether you'll be a boy or girl, Who you will look like, If you'll be born in summer or winter, What will you weigh, Will I ever be able to tell you in words how much I love you. How much longer will I have to wait for you? Some days I get very discouraged. See before We moved to Montana Daddy and I werent preventing you and I worried and cried alot. I went to doctors and they said my sugar was to high and I wasnt ovulating every month like I should. That scared me so bad because if I dont ovulate I cant get pregnant. So I prayed and prayed but I was deep down I was mad at God. Mad because Others were having babies. Mad because He knew how badly I wanted you. I was doing everything God wanted why wouldnt He bless me with a baby. But ya know what I wasnt doing everything He wanted. He was trying to tell me things but I wasnt listening. God wanted your Daddy and Me to step out on faith and move to Montana. So when I finally hit rock bottom and started listening and understood his plan for me I felt alot better. I wasnt mad anymore. So in july 2010 We moved to Montana and now more than ever I understand Gods plan. See there are lots of kids here who need love and someone to care bout them. No there not my own babies and I still long for my own but they need me right now. So I can pour my love into them while I wait for you.

   Dont think that daddy didnt want you. He wants you very much but Daddy is scared. Mommy wants you so much that it pushes her fear aside but deep down im scared too. I wonder how I will do raising you here in Montana without my Momma or Daddys Momma to help me. I know others here will help me but I still worry.  I know that You will be the best thing thats ever happen to me. I know that You will fill my life with so much Joy. I cannot wait till We meet each other baby. I cannot wait to hold a positive pregnancy test and I cannot even imagine holding you. 

  I hope these letter show you how wanted and loved you were long before God even started creating you. I always want you to know that your loved and I hope these letter make you feel special and bring you happiness long after I'm gone.

                                                            Momma  
    
 

Just in Case You didn't Know......

This post is gonna be just some random facts and maybe some things you didnt know.
  

• We are faith based Missionaries. Meaning God called us and told us where He wanted us and we stepped out on faith and followed him. We have not been to missionary training school (not that We wont ever but just saying We havent at this point). Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. Acts 4:13
  

• We found a good home for our cats on April 19th. They are around a family with kids now and are very happy. We keep in touch with that Family. We have a dog named Molly. We adopted her from the animal shelter in November. She was my christmas present from Jeremy. :)

• I started this blog to help family and friends from home keep up with what were up to in between newsletters. We send out newsletter every three months. If you wish to be on our mailing list Email me your address (stephaniehmalone@gmail.com)

•  This blog was private at one time and I just felt it couldnt be a light to others if they could only see it if they knew me and asked permission.

• You can comment on any of my post. The comment button is at the bottom of each post. I would love feedback and to hear if you.

• No everyday is not a good day. We are human and we do miss home and have bad days. But We love what were doing and the work God has for us here in Montana.

• No We dont have any idea what 5 years down the road looks like or even 1 year for that matter, but We will go where and do what God tells us to. Even if that means going somewhere dangerous.
  
  Isaiah 41:10  fear not, for I am with you;  be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you,  I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
  
  

•  Some people think We are so brave but the truth is We get very scared. We were terrified when We moved to Montana especially when Jeremy quit his job, but We knew that God would take care of us and He has. We are so blessed.

• Yes We both want a family someday and We know God has a plan and We are content in knowing His ways and timing are far greater than ours.

If you have anymore questions about what were doing or how were doing Feel free to leave me a comment. Questions mean you care and are interested in us and our ministry :)

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A hard Mothers Day

I woke up on Mothers day with my head held high. Determinded to have a good day. We went to church and had a great service a few tears here and there, after service a lady from our church came up and said "I know this is hard for you" and of course i started crying and she hugged me and I just let myself break down. Then she looked right at me and said " no one realizes the hurt and sacrfice you make. We just dont think about it. I know you just wanna be with her (meaning my Mom) This meant so much to me! Now dont get me wrong I am in no way putting us up on a pedisstool, but Its was great to have someone realize that it hurts. Even though were happy and have a good life here. we had a good life at home too. I am honored that God chose us dont get me wrong but that doesnt make it hurt less. Some days are fine but some days are a constant struggle to put a smile on and pretend its ok. But sunday someone showed me that I dont have to fake a smile and its ok to admit that your sad or just not having a good day. I can be myself and show whatever emotion im feeling because I have friends here who care and who understand. Mothers day was worse than christmas for me. I think we were busy on christmas but We werent busy on mothers day and that means alot of time to think and miss home. Mothers Day was also hard because I have a AWESOME Mom. And I just felt like it was so unfair to not be able to be with her on this special day set aside for moms. I guess the old sayings true "Lifes not always fair" Anyway im not trying to have a pity party just wanted to share this story and let everyone know that yes we do have bad days. We are only human and sometimes I feel this life is unfair sometimes but think of how unfair it is that so many people are gonna die and go to hell because so many wont leave comfortable. They wont say goodbye to there families So that others have a chance to spend eternity with there families Now thats UNFAIR!!!

 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? Romans 10:14

Guitar Lessons

I just realized I havent even wrote about Guitar Lessons. On Saturdays at 12 Jeremy gives guitar lessons here at the church. They are free and open to anyone. He has about 7 here on average. They are all doing really well and catching on fast. Who knows maybe Someday one of them will be the next worship leader of Canyon Baptist Church. 

Innocent Giggles at Beyond Borders for Christ :)

Well for those who don't know I have my own class on wednesday nights now :). We have 5 classes for certain age groups and the youngest is Joys class which is PreK-1st grade. We have 2 workers at the school who have younger children tho so We were really in need of a younger class. Which is a blessing to me because anyone who knows me knows How I love babies! So After getting permission to use another room I finally started my class last wednesday. I will post pictures of my room soon. It was a room we were actually using to store our music equipment. I of course decorated (mostly because I was so excited) but also because I want it to be fun and welcoming. We have had moms before bring there kids in kicking and crying and begging them not to leave them So I thought a friendly atmosphere might help a little. My class is for 3 and under. This is our schedule We come to our room at 6 and have our lesson. Depending on if I have any little babies this can be as short as saying a memory verse together and of course We always sing "Jesus Loves me". If we don't have any little babies We have a bible story and then normally color a coloring sheet that goes with that story and has our memory verse for that week on it. I have them repeat the memory verse after me and then we say it together. We have a box of toys for playtime. At 6:30 we head to the kitchen to eat. We leave there about 7 and if its pretty We head to the playground If its too cold or rainy We go to the gym and play instead. At 7:15 the Big kids (highschoolers) come to the gym So I get my babies out of there. We normally head back to our class and they can play with there toys till 7:30 when the buses leave and there parents come get them. To some this sounds like just another job. But to me its a huge blessing!!! This Week I had two little girls ones 2 and ones 3 . I have there picture But I am gonna ask permission before I tell there names or post there picture. Anyway when we went back to class after gym time ( the wind was blowing to hard so we didnt go to the playground) The girls sit down on a blanket I have on the floor and laughed. So they start cracking me up and I said " Girls do you have the giggles" And they laughed and said YES!!! Everyone who came by our room could hear them and poked there head in to see what was so funny ( which None of us still know what they were laughing at). Those innocent giggles are so refreshing to hear and I'm so glad that I can be apart of teaching them about Jesus.

Feels Like I've Been Losin'- Tenth Avenue North Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32